DTI, TESDA allows more TVET trainings allowed in GCQ areas
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have allowed more Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) qualifications trainings and assessments to be conducted in areas placed under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
They issued Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 20-06 last Dec. 9 in an effort to help reskill and upskill Filipino workers and to address the massive layoffs brought about by the closure of several businesses due to the pandemic.
“With our continued efforts to reopen more sectors, there is a need for more skilled workers certified by TESDA. The government, through agencies such as DTI and TESDA, is committed to ensuring that our fellow Filipinos are equipped with the needed competencies to adjust to this ‘new normal’,” Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
“We really wanted to offer more training opportunities for our people, especially those who were displaced from their jobs, including our repatriated OFWs. Even with the ongoing pandemic, with the right skills, there is a possibility for new employment and livelihood,” TESDA Director General Isidro Lapeña said.
The DTI reported that the unemployment rate was 17.7 percent or 7.3 million Filipinos last April but eased to 8.7 percent or 3.8 million workers last October.
The latest impact assessment of COVID-19 on the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) last September said only five percent of businesses remain closed from 35 percent in June, the DTI added.
The JMC allowed six priority TVET qualifications to conduct face-to-face trainings – construction; construction-related, including electrical installation and maintenance, flux cored arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas welding, and shielded metal arc welding; electrical and electronics, such as computer systems servicing and solar-powered lighting and mobile phone charging kit; garments and textiles, including dressmaking, face mask making, and tailoring; land transportation, particularly driving; and health.
Face-to-face competency assessments can be conducted in automotive; electrical and electronics; furniture and fixtures; heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration; garments and textiles; construction; health, social, and other community development services; Information and Communication Technology; land transportation; language and culture; maritime; metals and engineering; visual arts; tourism (hotel and restaurant); TVET; and wholesale and retail trading.
The circular said that face-to-face trainings and competency assessments are only allowed subject to the strict implementation of the minimum health protocols or the "seven commandments" of public health measures proposed by medical experts.
“We encourage our ‘kababayans’ (countrymen) to get in touch with the nearest TESDA office so they can apply immediately for the training of their choice. They may also apply via our website or the TESDA mobile app for easier access. Our training and assessment programs are for free. Please take this opportunity to be among the pool of our country’s skilled workers,” Lapeña added. (With a report from Dhel Nazario)